News from American Greyhound recapping November and looking forward to December.

November by the Numbers
In November we had 14 new arrivals, 9 of which entered TGIE on November 16, and  21 adoptions!

This makes our year-to-date totals 192 adoptions, 179 AG arrivals, and 15 hauled for other groups.
Giving Hounds a Home for the Holidays

November was a great month for 21 hounds and the humans that welcomed them into their families. One weekend in particular stands out in the month of November. The weekend before Thanksgiving, FIFTEEN hounds were adopted in a single weekend! From foster families adopting their hounds, to TGIE graduates, American Greyhound helped complete many families in the month of November.
 
For the first time in my memory, all 9 of our TGIE graduates had homes when they left the prison on November 16. It is incredible to think that all of those hounds left prison with a family waiting for them. Some of these hounds came from the two final hauls from Mobile, Alabama in the month of August. This was a unique TGIE class that had a mix of hounds from different hauls. They had a short stint in foster care and then entered the prison. On the other hand, we had a few foster families that just couldn't give up their foster hounds and decided to make them permanent residents.  We also had a few "traditional" adoptions as well.
 
Having a month like the month of November doesn't come by way of luck. It takes the hard work and dedication of the volunteers with American Greyhound to make it happen! We wouldn't be able to send 15 hounds home in a single weekend without our foster families, adoption coordinators, event coordinators/hosts, and the many other volunteers that represent American Greyhound and make us the organization with the caliber to make a difference in the lives of so many families and greyhounds.  Whether it be through fostering or helping at adoption events (they can be pretty hectic with multiple adoptions!), we want you to be part of giving dogs their forever homes. For more information about fostering or volunteering, contact me at   [email protected] or Kelli at [email protected] . We look forward to hearing from you! 
Santa "Claws" is Coming to Town

Again this year, American Greyhound's Santa will be making appearances at the Petco store in Highland Indiana (10235 Indianapolis Blvd), from 1:00 until 4:00 PM, Saturday December 9th and 16th.  Come out and bring your four-leggers so they can let the big guy know what good dogs they have been all year and maybe whisper some wishes in his ear while they're at it.
Of course it's common knowledge that American Greyhound's Santa is in fact the real one.  So, one more reason to come out and pay him a visit (especially if you may still be somewhat in doubt about whether you've made the nice list or the naughty list this year).

This store goes all-out to support American Greyhound and directs much of their discretional foundation money our way.  Santa would really appreciate you showing some support to these good folks as well.  And, you'll come away with a wonderful keepsake of your pet(s) time with Santa.  Photos are just $9.95, and will be e-mailed to your inbox almost immediately after shooting the photo.
Tis' the Season for Freezin'

It's the time of year when visions of sugar plums dance in a lot of our heads.  Many of us are beginning to celebrate our holiday traditions whether it's a trip to Grandma's house or reciting every line while watching It's A Wonderful Life. But, some of us are preparing for one of my favorite traditions-American Greyhound's Polar Bear Plunge.   
  
This year's Polar Bear Plunge will take place on New Year's Day at North Avenue Beach in Chicago and we would love to have you join us on the beach!  All you need to do is visit our FirstGiving page to get registered.
 
Even if you're aren't quite brave enough to go all the way under the water, we have a way for you to participate in the Plunge!  American Greyhound's plunge features three divisions:
 
  • Polar Bears:  This is the traditional division in which a plunger head is entirely submersed in the icy cold water of Lake Michigan.
  • Penguins:  This division will showcase the plunging talents of our volunteers who go in the water somewhere between the nose and their toes.
  • Warm Walruses:  This division will feature our virtual plungers who would rather plunge into their warm wooly blankets.
 
After we take the plunge, we travel just up the street to the Old Town Ale House for our annual After Splash Bash party.  Many memories are made and it's an event you won't want to miss.  Every  participant who raises $25 receives a commemorative long sleeve, limited edition t-shirt and entrance to the After Splash Bash!
  
So what do you say?  Are you willing to start a new tradition and start 2018 off with a splash and help some hounds at the same time?   
  
Happy Plunging,

Sarah Gasienica
Vice President & Polar Bear Plunge Coordinator
(219) 263-8742
  
P.S.  Even if you aren't inclined to join us, please visit our First Giving Page  and sponsor one of our many penguins, walruses and polar bears.  Not only will they appreciate it, but there a lot of hounds out there who will appreciate it even more! 
Around Town with Your Hound

Have a holly jolly Christmas!  The schmoopies and I had lots of fun last month and are ready to hit the road again!  Be sure to take a few minutes for yourself this holiday season or better yet, forgo those presents and spend some time together checking out one of these fantastic events happening at some of American Greyhound's fellow Greater Valparaiso Chamber Members or other supporters this month or coming up!  
 
A Christmas Story, The Musical
Memorial Opera House, 104 Indiana Avenue, Valparaiso, IN
Dates: December8, 9, 10 2017.  Fridays and Saturday performances start at  8:00 PM.  Sunday performances start at 2:00 PM. 
Cost: Visit  www.memorialoperahouse.com to purchase tickets. 
Hound Friendly: No
 
Hot Shop Valpo Ornament Making Experience
864 Kinsey Street, Valparaiso, IN
Dates: December9, 10 2017.  9:00-4:00 PM CST, no reservations, first come first served.   
Cost: $50.   
Hound Friendly: No
 
Photos with Santa
Petco Highland, 10235 Indianapolis Boulevard, Highland, IN
Dates  December 9 and 16 from 1:00 -4:00 PM.  All proceeds benefit American Greyhound!
Cost: $9.95 
Hound Friendly: Yes!
 
Photos with Santa
Petco Portage, 5925 U.S. Highway 6, Portage, IN
Dates:  December 9 and 16 from 1:00 -4:00 PM.  All proceeds benefit American Greyhound!
Cost: $9.95 
Hound Friendly: Yes!
 
A Classical Blast Christmas
Chicago Street Theater, 154 West Chicago Street, Valparaiso, IN
Dates: December  10, 2017 at 7:30 PM. 
Cost: $20 Visit http://www.chicagostreet.org/blast2017/ to purchase tickets. 
Hound Friendly: No

Sunset Hill Drive Through Christmas Lights
775 Meridian Road, Valparaiso, IN
Dates: Every day from  now  until New Year's Day!  Lights are on from Dusk until 10:00 PM.   
Cost: Free! 
Hound Friendly:  Yes!
 
American Greyhound's 11th Annual Polar Bear Plunge
1600 North Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL
Dates: January 1, 2018, time TBD 
Cost:  Register at https://agrey.org/agplunge
Hound Friendly: No
 
If there is a fun community activity in your area that's greyhound friendly or showcases one of American Greyhound's fantastic supporters, I would love to tell everyone about it! Email, text, or call me about it and I would love to feature it in my monthly column-Around Town with Your Hounds!  By the way, the event doesn't just have to be in the Valparaiso area either-the schmoopies and I LOVE a good road trip-especially if there's good coffee involved!

Sarah Gasienica
(219) 263-8742
[email protected]
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